Congenital generalized fibromatosis: an autosomal recessive condition?

Congenital generalized fibromatosis is a rare condition which is often misdiagnosed and given an erroneously poor prognosis. Five new cases are presented in this report, all initially having been diagnosed as neurofibromatosis. The histopathological findings are presented and the differential diagnosis is discussed. The natural history of the disorder appears to include an initial phase of proliferation soon after birth with appearance of new tumor masses. Providing these do not involve vital viscera, the patient survives with regression and eventual disappearance of all lesions. Spontaneous regression occurred in all five patients reported. Two sets of sibs occurred in the cases described. The possible genetic aspects of this are discussed and the pertinent literature reviewed.